Ronan Keating is opening his heart to share a loss that still feels close, offering a deeply emotional reflection on his late brother, Ciaran.
Nearly three years after the devastating tragedy, the Boyzone star, 49, is speaking candidly about his grief, allowing himself to be vulnerable in a moment that brings him to tears.
GettyIn the BBC series “Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic,” Ronan travels across Ireland, revisiting places and memories that shaped his brother’s life, while quietly searching for a way to process the loss.
Keating Tearfully Revisits His Late Brother’s Memory
Ciaran died in a car crash in July 2023 while traveling with his wife, Annemarie, who was seriously injured, as they headed to watch their son play football.
During a deeply personal conversation with his nephew, Ruairi, Ciaran’s son, Ronan struggled to hold back emotion.
The Daily Mail quoted the music icon as saying: “I never get to say it but… I was the baby. He was my older brother, my eldest brother, and he’s my hero. I always looked up to him, you know. I joined the band, and I had to kind of grow up very quickly, and I missed stuff between us, and because of that, I lost a lot.”
Ronan added, “I lost a lot and made a lot of sacrifices.”
Ronan Reflects on Regret and Missed Time With His Brother
As the conversation unfolded, Ronan’s emotions grew harder to contain, his voice softening as he tried to steady himself while speaking with Ruairi.
“It is very hard. I am sorry, I am sorry, I don’t want to get upset.”
In that moment, he also turned his focus to his nephew, gently acknowledging the depth of loss he is carrying.
“Oh, man, it’s hard enough for us as siblings. I can’t imagine where you are. You know, I’ve kind of parked my emotions for the last two years. I haven’t been able to really deal with it. I haven’t been able to deal with the loss, you know,” he added, as per The Daily Mail.
Ronan then reflected on the life his brother chose to build, and how that journey has shaped his own path toward healing.
“He made the decision to make a life for his family. He left Dublin and went west. And I think this journey that I’m on, you know, coming here and doing this, is me trying to understand more about Ciarán’s choice, so that I can somehow grieve and let go, because I found it very hard.”
A Family Conversation That Reveals Shared Grief
Ruairi shared how his father’s absence continues to shape everyday moments, especially those once filled with routine and comfort.
“It’s the same for me playing football too. I always look up and still think I can see him there. It’s always the hardest part as well, after games, I used to check my phone. The first thing I’d see is my dad’s name on my phone, and then not seeing it anymore. It’s really hard.”
He added, “I know he can see me, and I know he’s watching.” Ronan responded with quiet reassurance, reminding him of the love that remains.
“He was so proud of you, and he will still be so proud of you in everything that you do, all of you kids, you were his world, you know, pride and joy.”
Through the series, Ronan continues to honor his brother’s memory while finding his own path toward healing.
